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Pub Date
08 Nov 2018

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Description

Who do you call if it all goes
wrong on holiday?

Meet Doctor Ben MacFarlane – a very modern flying doctor. His job is get
on a plane and bring patients home after holiday disasters, gap year crises,
embarrassing incidents on business trips and all the other things that can go
wrong when we head overseas.

Holiday SOS is his extraordinary story. It’s a unique medical memoir of
the people he helps - and a year in the life of one of the world’s most
frequent flyers!

Who do you call if it all goes
wrong on holiday?

Meet Doctor Ben MacFarlane – a very modern flying doctor. His job is get on a plane and bring patients home after holiday disasters, gap year...

Description

Who do you call if it all goes
wrong on holiday?

Meet Doctor Ben MacFarlane – a very modern flying doctor. His job is get
on a plane and bring patients home after holiday disasters, gap year crises,
embarrassing incidents on business trips and all the other things that can go
wrong when we head overseas.

Holiday SOS is his extraordinary story. It’s a unique medical memoir of
the people he helps - and a year in the life of one of the world’s most
frequent flyers!

Advance Praise

‘Packed with tales of derring-do … it’s terrific, a
riveting read.’
The Independent

‘Hugely entertaining and warmly written.’

The Lady

‘A barn-storming account.’

Libby Purves, Radio 4

‘Eye-opening and entertaining,’

Press Association

‘A mixture of shocking, moving and at times very funny stories … an eye-opener
for any holidaymaker.’

Now magazine

‘Packed with tales of derring-do … it’s terrific, a
riveting read.’
The Independent

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Average rating from 48 members

Featured Reviews

Joan H, Reviewer

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This is the true medical memoire of a doctor whose job it is repatriating UK residents’ home when they are taken ill whilst travelling abroad be it on holiday or at work. He’s a real life flying doctor jetting off around the world at the drop of a hat to rescue and help UK citizens on their homebound flights when they need to get home urgently having fallen ill whilst away. It sounds very exciting but these repatriations are not always smooth going and the passengers are not always very grateful either. Ben MacFarlane tells a series of short stories collected together in chapters and I can assure you that you will have a unique and varied read, telling stories of disasters, accidents, embarrassments and more. You’ll laugh out loud, be shocked, you’ll feel empathy but you’ll also wonder at the predicaments Ben writes about in this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this memoire from Thistle Publishing through my membership of NetGalley. Thank you for my copy sent in return for an honest and unbiased review. This book is a light-hearted, amusing read and will keep you entertained, wondering whatever can possibly happen next. It’s a very well deserved 9.5/10 review from me.

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Stephen B, Reviewer

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Holiday SOS: The Life-Saving Adventures of a Travelling Doctor by Ben MacFarlane and Neil Simpson
I must thank two people for this brilliant and refreshing read. Obviously, one is Doctor Ben MacFarlane. His job is to bring people back to Britain after holiday disasters, miscellaneous other scary incidents, and all the other things that can go wrong when we travel overseas. Holiday SOS is his story - a year in the life of a British flying doctor repatriating the sick, injured, mentally unwell, and the druggies (not counting the grandma who accidentally took one of her grand-daughter’s Ecstasy tabs) from all corners of the world.
The other is Neil Simpson who was the person who wrote the book confirmed in the author’s note from Dr. MacFarlane at the back of the book. I’m surprised Simpson doesn’t get a credit in the Amazon product listing
The tales veer from the serious, to funny, and the downright ridiculous all told in a style that’s so easy to read. The authors and the doctor deal with some frightening crises; some at 35,000 feet altitude in cramped conditions.
What truly comes over to the reader is the doctor’s humanity, his empathy to others, and of course his medical skills. He seems like the kind of guy I’d love to have a beer with, never mind treat me if he attends on me in a medical capacity.
It’s a fascinating, refreshing read and highly recommended.
I thank the authors and publisher, Thistle Publishing, for a free digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Librarian 67425

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MacFarlane's experiences as a repatriation doctor fills a gap in the area of medical biographies. The author provides detailed descriptions of some of his patients and illnesses and what can go wrong high up in the air. From a patient vomiting up mass amounts of blood en route to the airport , to having to cut open a patient's leg stitches in the air to save her foot (while also saving a baby in crisis) this is a fast paced glimpse into the reality of doctors who work for insurance companies, and who retrive ill patients from abroad, and safely return them home. An interesting story-- must read for fans of medical bios with a side of humour/ flight attendant travelogues.

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Janet P, Librarian

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I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
From the publisher, as I do not regurgitate the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it!
Who are you going to call if it all goes wrong on holiday?
Meet Doctor Ben MacFarlane. His job is to bring people back to Britain after holiday disasters, gap year crisis, embarrassing incidents on business trips and all the other things that can go wrong when we head off overseas. Holiday SOS is his story -- a year in the life of a very British flying doctor.
Follow Ben as he grabs his medical bag and flies to glamorous locations -- helping to pick up the pieces after another holiday emergency.
Dramatic, hilarious or wildly unexpected, for flying doctors, emergency medicine doesn't just take place in intensive care wards -- it can happen just across the aisle on your next flight.
This book was a hoot! The dramatic episodes were sad and scary but the funny ones made up for it ... do not read this book on public transit or in a waiting room as your laughter will make people wonder what exactly are you reading.
Well written, well organized and a total treat of a read: if you want "something different to read" this is your book!!
(His Cruise Chip S.O.S. book is also hilarious!)

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Linda Q, Reviewer

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This is a memoir that reads like a novel. From the first page, I found myself pulled into the life and travels of the traveling doctor. His stories are at times funny, and at times poignant, but always engaging and entertaining, while sharing a glimpse of how repatriation works and the patients that require it.
I have to confess that before stumbling upon this book, I never really gave a thought to how repatriation worked when someone became ill or injured when far from home.....and that's after a career in health care. Also, I don't think I'll ever again travel overseas without buying travel insurance.
I devoured this book in one sitting and highly recommend it. While those interested in the subject will love this book, a casual reader will also enjoy it . Put this one at the top of your TBR list and be very careful in your travels.

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Cherie H, Reviewer

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Thank you Net Gallery and Thistle Publishing for a digital copy of Holiday SOS by Ben MacFarlane.
All these stories are told in a years time. Some are funny, some are scary, and some people I wanted to slap. Ben MacFarlane takes us into his medical job as a traveling flying doctor from Britain. There is a story in between the medical stories just to give us something to follow in his personal life. I shelved this under suspense because these stories are suspenseful. Just read the first story, I was on the edge of my seat with that one. Some stories I did cringe but couldn't stop. It's amazing how Dr MacFarlane could help these people for one on an airplane and two without a hospital setting with all the life saving tools but he did it. The people I wanted to slap were the woman and her kids, gosh have some respect and their language. Poor Doc. I enjoyed this book and hope if anything happens to myself or family overseas that Dr MacFarlane shows up. I recommend this witty, intense, interesting read.

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Gail P, Reviewer

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Holiday SOS is a diary written as a book, covering a year of the authors life. He jumps on planes, sometimes at short notice to repatriate those who have been taken ill abroad. It is an enjoyable and insightful tale which gives an interesting look at what goes on in his personal and professional life. You would certainly be in good hands if Ben was your repatriation doctor. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it, particularly to anyone who has enjoyed Imogen Edwards Jones 'Babylon' series.

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Mandy J, Reviewer

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What a fantastically enjoyable read! I never even knew that there were such people as repatriation doctors or nurses. I’d never even really thought about how people who are injured or who are taken ill whilst abroad actually make it home, but of course now it makes perfect sense. In many cases someone trained has to go out to retrieve them and care for them en route. This book tells of some of the scenarios these competent and caring health professionals have to face – and they certainly face some challenging situations. I’m pretty sure they don’t face back-to-back crises as are portrayed here – at least, I hope not! – but a bit of poetic licence doesn’t go amiss and I was gripped throughout. If ever I get injured abroad I hope I get sent someone as capable as the doctor portrayed here, anyway. And I just know I won’t be able to help myself if I see someone ill or injured at an airport – I will just have to sneak a peek ( ever so discreetly of course) to see who they have with them. An absolutely compelling short book, great fun to read, and a timely reminder to perhaps take a bit of extra care when travelling.

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Jill R, Reviewer

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Quite a good book to read . Not to much on the gory side and to be honest we don't find our what happens to all the patients after repatriation. The author obviously thinks he's lucky have such a well travelled job but he certainly earns his air miles ! I 've looked on Amazon for other books by the same author and I was pleased to see there's one about working on a cruise ship .

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Joanna P, Media

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I loved this flying doctor memoir and read it in one sitting.
It’s fast-paced, well-written and lots of fun as well as shedding light oh what really happens when you need to be repatriated from abroad because of medical emergency..
My favourite story involved plunging a grandmother’s head into iced water on the journey home!

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Nikki H, Librarian

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I'd never read this type of book before, so was unsure what to expect. Happily, I was pleasantly surprised! I had no idea how much detail goes into medical repatriation, nor the planning and expertise behind it. The narrative was easy to read, and the short chapters/stories meant I could read it it quick 5 minute bursts, when I had a spare few minutes. This left me on the edge of my seat and reminded me never to take anything from granted. A fascinating read-thoroughly enjoyed!

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Jena H, Reviewer

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A few years ago, I was with a tour group overseas and a lovely older woman tripped over a pile of suitcases. Our group was ready to embark on a 16-day cruise, so she hobbled along with us. But, she soon realized she had indeed injured herself and so she sought medical attention on the cruise ship. At our first port-of-call, she was transferred to a hospital in Stockholm. We learned that she spent a few days there, and then a nurse flew in to escort her back to America. I always wondered how she fared.
Well, after reading Dr. MacFarlane’s engrossing story, I feel much better. If she received the same level of care and compassion that Dr. MacFarlane dispensed, I know that her story ended as happily as most of this author-doctor’s patients.
This book would make a great TV show. The story spans about a year in the life of this busy travelling doctor. He amasses millions of frequent traveler miles as he flies several times a week to bring patient back to their homes in England. From Tunis, to Cairo, the Canary Islands, St. Tropez, Barcelona, the Maldives, even Bulgaria our doctor-hero manages to enjoy flitting glimpses of these exotic holiday locales. We learn that he is doing this for more than just the travel miles and the sight-seeing. He truly cares about the people he escorts back home.
Drama and plenty of medical emergencies make for an engaging read. This book also has plenty of heart. Some of the stories have their funny moments and some are tender and sad. My favorite one is about a lovely elderly patient named Mrs. Dean. Heartbreaking.
The author concludes that he works with the best people in the world and he meets the most amazing people every day. He certainly communicates his passion for his work in this easy to read and entertaining book. Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thistle Publishing for an ARC. This is my honest review.

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Lorie S, Reviewer

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I absolutely loved this book and the only disappointment I experienced was in reaching the end. I wanted to continue to travel with this well rounded and completely competent physician, who also entertained with a highly keen sense of humor. At the end of his novel, he asked to be "excused for focusing on the most exciting or unusual events ... and for writing them up like a novel rather than a strict medical textbook" which only emphasized his being a well-respected and talented physician. If only there were doctor's like this one, to be found in private practice!
He also said, how "pleased (he was) to be able to share some of those memories in this book." In response, I'd like to say what a privilege it was for me to read about his experiences and to have shared in his life & recollections. It proves how respectful he is/was of his patients and profession; I would love to meet a Dr. MacFarlane in person and to tell him just how fortunate his patients were to have met HIM!
This was a thoroughly engaging novel, the fact that it was all true, makes it even more of a treat. I would recommend this book to anyone who's interested in the subject of medicine, travel and humor; especially humor found in the most unlikely of places ... the human mind and body.
What an exciting (and yet exhausting) life he must lead ... and to save lives in the process, what a brilliant physician, not to mention great story teller.
This book also gives one insight into our country's health care system as opposed to Europe's, the repatriation process, the NHS, how it works and what lengths it goes to for its citizens. Makes one think more than twice about "Obamacrap" oh wait, I meant Obamacare, didn't I? Nope, I was right the first time, what a joke.

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Abby S, Reviewer

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Doctorr on holiday call always ready to fly off to any vacation emergency.Told in diary form full of heartwarming moments funny moments& serious one als,also..Told in diary form I really enjoyed this charming book& Howe much the doctor enjoys his job. #netgalley #Holidaysos #Thistlepublishibg

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Nan W, Reviewer

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This is not my normal style for reading, but I found it thoroughly enjoyable. It was an account of a doctor employed in a medical rescue company catering to repatriating travelers for insurance companies. Sounds pretty dull, huh? Well, I would normally have thought so, too, but it was anything but dull! Each chapter had our protagonist traveling to a different locale to bring home a traveler who had had some sort of medical emergency or mishap and was unable to travel on his own.
In addition to the vignettes of the victims (and their returns home), there were a couple of auxiliary stories throughout the book that tied everything nicely together, making a good flow for the disparate experiences.
I highly recommend this memoir as it was well written, entertaining and enlightening. It was just plain enjoyable. I hope the author will write more.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Thistle Publishing, for an ARC of this book. This review will be published immediately on Good Reads and with Amazon when the hard copy is released.

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Joanna J, Reviewer

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I saw this in my newsfeed when a friend reviewed it, and given that I work in Travel Medicine, was keen to read it myself, so was very happy to find it on NG as Read Now. I think it should be required reading for any health professional who sees patients pre-travel, and will be recommending it to all my colleagues. We spend a lot of time talking about the prevention of scary-sounding infectious diseases like yellow fever and typhoid, but the reality is that far more travellers are killed or hospitalised overseas for injuries, often sustained doing things they wouldn’t dream of back home. Unfortunately there’s no vaccine against stupidity. This book is a sobering reminder of some of the worst things that can happen to a holiday-maker, written by the white night who comes to save them.
Ben McFarlane works as a repatriation doctor, which involves travelling anywhere in the world to retrieve sick or injured patients, assess their fitness to travel, and escort them home. Things don’t always go according to plan. Written in 2009, based on events from the early 2000s, this is being republished now. The cover makes it look light-hearted and fun, but the book is full of gory medical details and is probably not for the squeamish. I couldn’t believe that one doctor could experience so many near-disasters, but the afterword explains that while they are all true stories, names and details have been changed to protect the sometimes-innocent, and that this is a fictionalised amalgamation of the most interesting and outrageous cases. I suspect a completely true to life account would not make nearly such an entertaining read.
Ben comes across as an irreverent and laidback medic, but who shows both balls of steel, amazing ingenuity and resourcefulness, and the patience of a saint with people who really shouldn’t be allowed a passport. I veered from feeling like this was a job I could enjoy, to feeling exhausted just reading about the constant travel, overnights, stressful situations, fast turnarounds and inability to plan much of a social life. This is a young and preferably single persons’ job, but the experiences he has would certainly be amazing.
You don’t need to know anything about medicine to enjoy this, but reading this will ensure you take out comprehensive insurance for all future overseas trips (and thank the stars for the NHS if you’re British).
Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Maureen E, Reviewer

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Ben MacFarlane gives us a fascinating insight into his time as a flying doctor, repatriating British patients back to the UK, after various medical mishaps in locations all around the world!
His cases vary from the excruciatingly embarrassing (but amusing) incidents, to the really sad ones including a patient who, within days of arriving at his holiday destination is taken ill and receives the worst possible diagnosis, but despite that, the patient is determined to embrace life to the full and informs Dr MacFarlane that he will make a return visit the following year. Sadly I doubt that he did.
What a delightful memoir this was. There’s plenty of laughter, along with the tears, and although some of the medical procedures and illnesses which involve bodily fluids might well leave some of you feeling a little queasy, it was still a great read, and I’m left with a sense of what a fantastic job these people do, often in very difficult circumstances without the backup and support that they would get in a hospital situation. It’s not just medical competence that’s required either but someone who’s able to create a sea of calm for a patient who’s scared and a long way from home. This was a light hearted and refreshing read and I would definitely recommend it.

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cathie s, Educator

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Dr. Ben MacFarlane's book as a traveling doctor is a fabulous read! As a Dr. who travels to hot vacation spots to help patients who have been hurt/become sick on vacation Ben is super busy. Throughout the book I learned a lot about specific medical conditions, culture and history of the places Ben was sent to, and had a lot of laughs.
At times poignant and hysterically funny as Ben describes his travels and his work helping patients throughout the world! I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in medicine or travel and wants a heart warming and amusing read.

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Valerie S, Reviewer

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Holiday SOS: The Life-Saving Adventures of a Travelling Doctor
I really found this book an exciting and quick paced read as I followed British doctor Ben MacFarlane on his fascinating work doing repatriations as he travels to bring different patients back home after they have had accidents or fallen ill while on vacation. I’d never heard of a job like this and loved reading about it. The cases were interesting to read about and well detailed. He shared how he flew to the patient, checked them out with their current physician, nurse, etc. and examines them himself, then gets them ready to fly back to the UK to another hospital. There they will be looked after until they are well enough to be discharged to their home. Many of the locations were fun and exotic to travel destinations, making this job a real perk in lots of ways, along with all of the flyer miles, for those who love travel and meeting new people. But it did have a crushing effect on his original relationship, as his girlfriend complained that he was gone all of the time.
Dr. Ben did share his more heart-pounding cases for the book, where things got scary on the return trip and he had to show his expertise enroute. But he’s a veritable Macgyver of the skies, it turns out. This book is a no-brainer for anyone who thinks they’d be interested in checking it out. Go ahead and give it a try. I suspect you may like it. My thanks for the advance electronic copy that was provided by NetGalley, author Ben MacFarlane, and the publisher for my fair review.
Thistle Publishing - 230 pages
Pub: Nov 8th, 2018
3.5 of 5 stars

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Jannelies S, Reviewer

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What a delightful insight in the lives of Ben MacFarlane and his colleagues. After having to organize a trip home for someone who went on a skiing holiday to Austria - and guess what happened - and had to return with two broken arms, I decided never ever to go on a trip without a good insurance. And glad I did, although I certainly hope never to need the help of Ben or one of his colleagues. I think they do a fantastic job and the book is very honest, in that we not only read about the excellent medical care Ben delivers, but also about the fears, the tiredness, the loneliness even that comes with this job.
But please, next time, choose another illustrator for a book like this? The cover is really not suitable for the book.
Thank you Neil Simpson for putting Ben's 'adventures' to paper so nicely.
Thank you Thistle Publishing and NetGalley for this review copy.

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PETER C, Reviewer

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This is a very entertaining and intriguing book about a highly skilled young doctor travelling to overseas destinations to accompany sick and injured patients back to the UK.
The book covers a number of short stories about the various medical adventures that the doctor (Ben MacFarlane) has experienced, mainly on scheduled passenger flights. The attention to detail was quite gruesome at times, but added immensely to the narrative.
I was impressed with the skills and human empathy that MacFarlane showed to his temporary patients. Also with his inventive procedural skills in utilising whatever items were on hand to save his patients. Not easy in a cramped airliner at 35,000 feet. A similarity to Apollo 13 springs to mind.
The costs and complications of being seriously ill overseas and not having the assistance of a accompanying doctor to travel home with, are too frightening to contemplate. From a personal perspective, I have now made a solemn mental note to make sure that I am always covered by a medical insurance whenever I travel overseas!
I can thoroughly recommend this read.

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jacqui s, Reviewer

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I had never thought about what happens to travellers when they are taken ill or injure themselves while on holiday. Now I understand why it is important to take out travel insurance. I really enjoyed reading this "in the air" medical memoir. It is well written and makes even the most dramatic and gory situations captivating and easy to read.

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Marie A, Reviewer

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Traveling is exciting and fun. Picking up patients and transporting them, not so much at times. I loved reading about the adventures of doctors and nurses doing this difficult job. Seeing new places and meeting new people is wonderful until something goes bad to your perfectly stable patient. Just like in the hospital but without the equipment and you're 35,000 feet in the air. Also, being in another country where you don't speak the language, trying to get an accurate report. Great book with a different perspective on medicine. I recommend it to all the nurses and doctors out there and to anyone interested in a different type of practice. I received this book from Net Galley and Thistle Publishing for a honest review and no compensation otherwise. The opinions expressed are my own.

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Reviewer 2883

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What a wonderful job this sound like – well, minus the mid air cardiac arrest or dealing with that trio of women in Tunisia. They really made an impression on me. But if I’m ever stranded far from home with something broken or bleeding, I’ll hope for someone like you or your caring colleagues to be the ones to fetch me back. B

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Tracey S, Reviewer

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Amazing book. Loved it from beginning to end.
Well written which kept me captivated throughout.
I will definitely be reading other books by this author

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Cristie U, Reviewer

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The author gave insight into a type of medicine that I had no idea existed. I enjoyed reading about his travels and the unique cases that he treated, especially the embarrassing ones! I am still shocked that there is a doctor that focuses on vacation injuries and illness and in transporting those patients back to England.

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Educator 478173

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I love books like this, ones that expose the behind the scenes sides of certain jobs. Earlier in the year I read Adam Kay's book 'This is Going to Hurt' which wasn't dissimilar so when I saw this pop up on Netgalley I knew I had to read it.
Ben Macfarlane is a repatriation doctor, meaning if you are in trouble abroad then he flies over to bring you home. Most of his stories seem fairly straight forward but it also shows how alone and resourceful you have to be at 35000 feet.
I enjoyed the stories but they didn't make me feel the same as alot of Adam Kay's did. I enjoyed them, dont get me wrong, and they seemed real, I don't want to be reading over exaggerated rubbish but they didn't make me laugh or cry the same as Adam's did. The story of Mrs Dean was the only exception. That story broke me.
I also felt like the ending was quite abrupt. Yes, it really did highlight that the job isn't for everyone with Ben's colleague Rebecca leaving for the cruise ships but Ben's future was quite unclear. Did he stay with Cassie? Did he continue with repatriation? It says he works in a London hospital now but why? Did he get fed up with never being home? I was left wanting more. 4.5/5 stars from me.

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marlene p, Reviewer

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I thoroughly enjoyed Dr Ben McFarlane’s experiences as a medical repatriation doctor, maybe this enjoyment was enhanced as I work in the medical field.
Based on extracts in his diary of his working years in the job, he explains at the end that he hopes he’s excused for writing about the most exciting ones......it does make a good story though!
A very easy to read novel with stories that are easy to pick up and put down and his enthusiasm for the job and travel shows. I notice that this book is a re release, as the original was published in 2009 but I don’t think that makes any difference at all.
I look forward to reading some more of his exploits on a cruise ship!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a digital copy to read.

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Joanna J, Reviewer

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Absolutely the best book I have read in ages! This series of anecdotes made me laugh and cry in equal measure. The writing was fantastic, I loved how the book was written somewhat like a diary and the tales of medical repatriation were obviously true and well described. As soon as I finished the book, I immediately looked for others by the same author and found 'cruise ship SOS' which I have also read (in a day!) and loved. I just can't wait for this author to write more, and sincerely hope he will do.

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Kay S, Reviewer

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In his debut novel, Holiday SOS, Ben MacFarlane describes the life of an itinerant doctor who travels around the world to bring injured clients home to the UK on behalf of insurance companies. McFarlane relates several amusing anecdotes about the patients he meets, their injuries and the travelling involved in bring them back to the UK. He interweaves the stories of his patient recoveries with minutiae of his romantic life and the office politics.
Surprisingly MacFarlane's descriptions of medical procedures, tourist destinations and everyday life make for enjoyable, light reading. In addition, this book will make you think twice about refusing travel medical insurance on your future trips! Well written and highly readable!

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Maude A, Reviewer

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This was surprisingly a very entertaining memoir. Dr Ben MacFarlene goes around the world to repatriate, back to England, patients in need of medical assistance for their return home. Ben enjoys his work, his coworkers and most of his patients ( some of those patients are hard to like ). A quick read, gives an insider's glimps of various predicaments travellers find themselves in. Some of the trips back home are sad, uneventful or medical nightmare, but all under the watchful eye of a companionate and very resourceful doctor.
Thank you NetGalley, for providing this title in return for an honest review.

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Julie H, Reviewer

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Enjoyable medical memoir.
I love medical memoirs and have read a few by doctors, nurses, midwives etc. This one is different in that the author tells of his experiences as a repatriation doctor. I had never heard of these before, and didn't know they existed.
The book comprises a year in the life of....a month by month account. Ben's job is to get the sick and injured holidaymakers back home again. He escorts and helps them home after illness and accidents on holiday. He might be in Turkey one day, St Tropez the next, etc. Don't think this is all concerned with eg. 18-30 club holidaymakers; irresponsible, heavy drinkers, people on drugs etc. Some are normal families where their relaxing holidays have been cut short by terrible accidents and sudden onset illnesses.
This is an interesting read and I really enjoyed it. When I was only 30% into it I had already bought the follow-up book (Cruise Ship SOS: The Life-Saving Adventures of a Doctor at Sea) where he's a doc on a cruise ship-couldn't resist! Looking forward to reading more.

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Svetlana T, Reviewer

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A very informative and interesting read on what doctors do when they need to bring sick or injured travellers back home. A very human-interest story on different cases such doctors come across, on their relationships with patients, each other and everyone they meet along the way.
Need to warn you: some spots are very graphic (medical details) and some spots are even funny.
If you have a long-haul fight anywhere you might as well read this one. So you’d know what and whom to except if anything happens to you on your travel.
And yes, doctor comes if you have travel insurance. Do not forget it.

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Nigel M, Reviewer

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Yes

This is an ideal holiday read -NOT!! Ben MacFarlane works in a hospital but yearns for a chance to see the world. When he hears about people, with medical experience, being required to escort "at risk" travellers home from around the world, for insurance companies, he applies and gets the job. What follows is a collection of anecdotes about real life incidents in which he becomes involved. Some are hilarious, some are gritty but in every one of them you appreciate the very real responsibility faced by Ben as the accompanying medic. Yes he gets to travel to exotic places and, yes, sometimes he has a day or two before he has to fly out with his patient but, blimey, the job requires stamina, medical skill and the ability to think on your feet. Thanks to Ben ,we as readers, get the chance to understand the job of escort at first hand and, speaking personally I take my hat off to him for his patience and endurance. At the end of the book, we find Ben is back working in a hospital - wiser, well-travelled and much more confident in coping with responsibility and decision taking. Clearly this is written by a really sensitive guy who cares for each and every patient. An excellent read.

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Gail O, Reviewer

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Yes

An absolute delightful tale of a traveling doctors profession. He had such passion and sentiment with regard to his patients. Never knew there was such a profession. Anyone who travels wold certainly enjoy his humor and predicaments.

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Alycia C, Reviewer

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Strongly

Dr Ben MacFarlane gives us a fascinating insight into his time as a flying doctor, repatriating British patients back to the UK, after various medical mishaps in locations all around the world! The doctor has some funny embarrassing cases, so really bad diagnosis, and some sad,. I laughed a bit through this one. It made itt look fascinating to travel and be a doctor.

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Alison S, Reviewer

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A dramatic opening chapter that immediately grabs your attention.
Dr MacFarlane narrates interesting recollections of repatriations of various patients he's dealt with. The care that he gives to each situation is very unique and attentive.
As someone who will in all likelihood never fly in first-class, I loved the descriptions of the cabin and flights of the various first class flights he'd taken - especially the one to Dubai - ultra luxurious.
There were some wonderful stories that touched a person's heart deeply. And the kindness of strangers when things went wonky on the various flights just humbled a person.
It was fascinating that even while Dr MacFarlane was busy with his patients he notices the small things his fellow passengers do for him.
As a big fan of medical dramas this book fell perfectly into my likes. I found it very well-written with an interesting view into a career that I never knew even existed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the chance to read this book.

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Brigitt A, Educator

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Strongly

This is the memoir of an insurance doctor who repatriates seriously ill holiday makers back to the UK. It is narrated over a one year time period and it is a fascinating read. Some illnesses are not for the faint hearted and after some horrendous accidents which some holidaymakers befall I swore I would never go on vacation again! I did not know what to expect from this book but it turned out to be an interesting read not only about illness but also about human nature and how adversity effects different people very differently. As we all go on holidays I would recommend this book everyone to read - maybe after the holidays.

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Maryline D, Reviewer

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"Holiday SOS : The Life-Saving Adventures of a Travelling Doctor" by Ben MacFarlane.
5 stars.
Doctor Ben MacFarlane tells all about the people he's helped get home after an accident. I loved it!
A well written memoir that's entertaining, full of emotions. You feel like you are in the plane with him and his patients, looking at what was happening, the care given, the (sometimes funny) discussions...
If you loved Royal Pains (tv show, books) you will enjoy this book full of interesting stories and won't want to put it down. It is never boring!
I also really loved the cover.
Thank you NetGalley and Thistle Publishing for letting me read this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
Review shared online on NetGalley, Goodreads, Twitter...

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catherine h, Reviewer

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I had no idea this is what could happen to one who gets sick over seas! Does every country do this??? Does the country, health care provider, insurance send a doctor to the person?? Interesting. Anyway, the stories were certainly unique. I just could not fathom a doctor from ones country coming to one's rescue. Some of the stories were humorous (even if horrifying) others bought up subjects I would never have thought about at all. I mean, you're over seas and become ill in a foreign country and maybe no one speaks your language- scary! Makes me wonder if I'd even want to travel too far out of my own comfort zone. I speak several languages very haltingly. I would hate to have to depend on them in an emergency. Thank heavens for Dr. MacFarlane, and others like him! Short chapters can be read individually as each deals with a different issue and person(s). Interesting book.

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Alana W, Reviewer

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Yes

Thank you to Thistle Publishing who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
As a medical professional, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is not often that we see the style of medicine that others practice. This is certainly true for doctors who are called upon to bring home patients who are "medically stranded" internationally. While the writing style at times lacks depth and the individual stories jump without much cohesiveness, the book as a whole is fantastically told. If read as individual stories, this book will highlight the rarely told sagas of international medical transport in a way you have never read before. Very entertaining!

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Suzanne J, Reviewer

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Yes

Loved this book. A warm and witty account, engagingly written. It held my attention throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Read an Excerpt

Holiday SOS

Ben MacFarlane

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Joan H, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

This is the true medical memoire of a doctor whose job it is repatriating UK residents’ home when they are taken ill whilst travelling abroad be it on holiday or at work. He’s a real life flying doctor jetting off around the world at the drop of a hat to rescue and help UK citizens on their homebound flights when they need to get home urgently having fallen ill whilst away. It sounds very exciting but these repatriations are not always smooth going and the passengers are not always very grateful either. Ben MacFarlane tells a series of short stories collected together in chapters and I can assure you that you will have a unique and varied read, telling stories of disasters, accidents, embarrassments and more. You’ll laugh out loud, be shocked, you’ll feel empathy but you’ll also wonder at the predicaments Ben writes about in this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this memoire from Thistle Publishing through my membership of NetGalley. Thank you for my copy sent in return for an honest and unbiased review. This book is a light-hearted, amusing read and will keep you entertained, wondering whatever can possibly happen next. It’s a very well deserved 9.5/10 review from me.

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Stephen B, Reviewer

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Holiday SOS: The Life-Saving Adventures of a Travelling Doctor by Ben MacFarlane and Neil Simpson
I must thank two people for this brilliant and refreshing read. Obviously, one is Doctor Ben MacFarlane. His job is to bring people back to Britain after holiday disasters, miscellaneous other scary incidents, and all the other things that can go wrong when we travel overseas. Holiday SOS is his story - a year in the life of a British flying doctor repatriating the sick, injured, mentally unwell, and the druggies (not counting the grandma who accidentally took one of her grand-daughter’s Ecstasy tabs) from all corners of the world.
The other is Neil Simpson who was the person who wrote the book confirmed in the author’s note from Dr. MacFarlane at the back of the book. I’m surprised Simpson doesn’t get a credit in the Amazon product listing
The tales veer from the serious, to funny, and the downright ridiculous all told in a style that’s so easy to read. The authors and the doctor deal with some frightening crises; some at 35,000 feet altitude in cramped conditions.
What truly comes over to the reader is the doctor’s humanity, his empathy to others, and of course his medical skills. He seems like the kind of guy I’d love to have a beer with, never mind treat me if he attends on me in a medical capacity.
It’s a fascinating, refreshing read and highly recommended.
I thank the authors and publisher, Thistle Publishing, for a free digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Librarian 67425

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MacFarlane's experiences as a repatriation doctor fills a gap in the area of medical biographies. The author provides detailed descriptions of some of his patients and illnesses and what can go wrong high up in the air. From a patient vomiting up mass amounts of blood en route to the airport , to having to cut open a patient's leg stitches in the air to save her foot (while also saving a baby in crisis) this is a fast paced glimpse into the reality of doctors who work for insurance companies, and who retrive ill patients from abroad, and safely return them home. An interesting story-- must read for fans of medical bios with a side of humour/ flight attendant travelogues.

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Janet P, Librarian

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I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
From the publisher, as I do not regurgitate the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it!
Who are you going to call if it all goes wrong on holiday?
Meet Doctor Ben MacFarlane. His job is to bring people back to Britain after holiday disasters, gap year crisis, embarrassing incidents on business trips and all the other things that can go wrong when we head off overseas. Holiday SOS is his story -- a year in the life of a very British flying doctor.
Follow Ben as he grabs his medical bag and flies to glamorous locations -- helping to pick up the pieces after another holiday emergency.
Dramatic, hilarious or wildly unexpected, for flying doctors, emergency medicine doesn't just take place in intensive care wards -- it can happen just across the aisle on your next flight.
This book was a hoot! The dramatic episodes were sad and scary but the funny ones made up for it ... do not read this book on public transit or in a waiting room as your laughter will make people wonder what exactly are you reading.
Well written, well organized and a total treat of a read: if you want "something different to read" this is your book!!
(His Cruise Chip S.O.S. book is also hilarious!)

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Linda Q, Reviewer

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Strongly

This is a memoir that reads like a novel. From the first page, I found myself pulled into the life and travels of the traveling doctor. His stories are at times funny, and at times poignant, but always engaging and entertaining, while sharing a glimpse of how repatriation works and the patients that require it.
I have to confess that before stumbling upon this book, I never really gave a thought to how repatriation worked when someone became ill or injured when far from home.....and that's after a career in health care. Also, I don't think I'll ever again travel overseas without buying travel insurance.
I devoured this book in one sitting and highly recommend it. While those interested in the subject will love this book, a casual reader will also enjoy it . Put this one at the top of your TBR list and be very careful in your travels.

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Cherie H, Reviewer

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Yes

Thank you Net Gallery and Thistle Publishing for a digital copy of Holiday SOS by Ben MacFarlane.
All these stories are told in a years time. Some are funny, some are scary, and some people I wanted to slap. Ben MacFarlane takes us into his medical job as a traveling flying doctor from Britain. There is a story in between the medical stories just to give us something to follow in his personal life. I shelved this under suspense because these stories are suspenseful. Just read the first story, I was on the edge of my seat with that one. Some stories I did cringe but couldn't stop. It's amazing how Dr MacFarlane could help these people for one on an airplane and two without a hospital setting with all the life saving tools but he did it. The people I wanted to slap were the woman and her kids, gosh have some respect and their language. Poor Doc. I enjoyed this book and hope if anything happens to myself or family overseas that Dr MacFarlane shows up. I recommend this witty, intense, interesting read.

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Gail P, Reviewer

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Yes

Holiday SOS is a diary written as a book, covering a year of the authors life. He jumps on planes, sometimes at short notice to repatriate those who have been taken ill abroad. It is an enjoyable and insightful tale which gives an interesting look at what goes on in his personal and professional life. You would certainly be in good hands if Ben was your repatriation doctor. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it, particularly to anyone who has enjoyed Imogen Edwards Jones 'Babylon' series.

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Mandy J, Reviewer

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What a fantastically enjoyable read! I never even knew that there were such people as repatriation doctors or nurses. I’d never even really thought about how people who are injured or who are taken ill whilst abroad actually make it home, but of course now it makes perfect sense. In many cases someone trained has to go out to retrieve them and care for them en route. This book tells of some of the scenarios these competent and caring health professionals have to face – and they certainly face some challenging situations. I’m pretty sure they don’t face back-to-back crises as are portrayed here – at least, I hope not! – but a bit of poetic licence doesn’t go amiss and I was gripped throughout. If ever I get injured abroad I hope I get sent someone as capable as the doctor portrayed here, anyway. And I just know I won’t be able to help myself if I see someone ill or injured at an airport – I will just have to sneak a peek ( ever so discreetly of course) to see who they have with them. An absolutely compelling short book, great fun to read, and a timely reminder to perhaps take a bit of extra care when travelling.

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Jill R, Reviewer

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Yes

Quite a good book to read . Not to much on the gory side and to be honest we don't find our what happens to all the patients after repatriation. The author obviously thinks he's lucky have such a well travelled job but he certainly earns his air miles ! I 've looked on Amazon for other books by the same author and I was pleased to see there's one about working on a cruise ship .

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Joanna P, Media

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Strongly

I loved this flying doctor memoir and read it in one sitting.
It’s fast-paced, well-written and lots of fun as well as shedding light oh what really happens when you need to be repatriated from abroad because of medical emergency..
My favourite story involved plunging a grandmother’s head into iced water on the journey home!

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Nikki H, Librarian

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I'd never read this type of book before, so was unsure what to expect. Happily, I was pleasantly surprised! I had no idea how much detail goes into medical repatriation, nor the planning and expertise behind it. The narrative was easy to read, and the short chapters/stories meant I could read it it quick 5 minute bursts, when I had a spare few minutes. This left me on the edge of my seat and reminded me never to take anything from granted. A fascinating read-thoroughly enjoyed!

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Jena H, Reviewer

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Strongly

A few years ago, I was with a tour group overseas and a lovely older woman tripped over a pile of suitcases. Our group was ready to embark on a 16-day cruise, so she hobbled along with us. But, she soon realized she had indeed injured herself and so she sought medical attention on the cruise ship. At our first port-of-call, she was transferred to a hospital in Stockholm. We learned that she spent a few days there, and then a nurse flew in to escort her back to America. I always wondered how she fared.
Well, after reading Dr. MacFarlane’s engrossing story, I feel much better. If she received the same level of care and compassion that Dr. MacFarlane dispensed, I know that her story ended as happily as most of this author-doctor’s patients.
This book would make a great TV show. The story spans about a year in the life of this busy travelling doctor. He amasses millions of frequent traveler miles as he flies several times a week to bring patient back to their homes in England. From Tunis, to Cairo, the Canary Islands, St. Tropez, Barcelona, the Maldives, even Bulgaria our doctor-hero manages to enjoy flitting glimpses of these exotic holiday locales. We learn that he is doing this for more than just the travel miles and the sight-seeing. He truly cares about the people he escorts back home.
Drama and plenty of medical emergencies make for an engaging read. This book also has plenty of heart. Some of the stories have their funny moments and some are tender and sad. My favorite one is about a lovely elderly patient named Mrs. Dean. Heartbreaking.
The author concludes that he works with the best people in the world and he meets the most amazing people every day. He certainly communicates his passion for his work in this easy to read and entertaining book. Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thistle Publishing for an ARC. This is my honest review.

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Lorie S, Reviewer

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I absolutely loved this book and the only disappointment I experienced was in reaching the end. I wanted to continue to travel with this well rounded and completely competent physician, who also entertained with a highly keen sense of humor. At the end of his novel, he asked to be "excused for focusing on the most exciting or unusual events ... and for writing them up like a novel rather than a strict medical textbook" which only emphasized his being a well-respected and talented physician. If only there were doctor's like this one, to be found in private practice!
He also said, how "pleased (he was) to be able to share some of those memories in this book." In response, I'd like to say what a privilege it was for me to read about his experiences and to have shared in his life & recollections. It proves how respectful he is/was of his patients and profession; I would love to meet a Dr. MacFarlane in person and to tell him just how fortunate his patients were to have met HIM!
This was a thoroughly engaging novel, the fact that it was all true, makes it even more of a treat. I would recommend this book to anyone who's interested in the subject of medicine, travel and humor; especially humor found in the most unlikely of places ... the human mind and body.
What an exciting (and yet exhausting) life he must lead ... and to save lives in the process, what a brilliant physician, not to mention great story teller.
This book also gives one insight into our country's health care system as opposed to Europe's, the repatriation process, the NHS, how it works and what lengths it goes to for its citizens. Makes one think more than twice about "Obamacrap" oh wait, I meant Obamacare, didn't I? Nope, I was right the first time, what a joke.

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Abby S, Reviewer

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Yes

Doctorr on holiday call always ready to fly off to any vacation emergency.Told in diary form full of heartwarming moments funny moments& serious one als,also..Told in diary form I really enjoyed this charming book& Howe much the doctor enjoys his job. #netgalley #Holidaysos #Thistlepublishibg

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Nan W, Reviewer

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Yes

This is not my normal style for reading, but I found it thoroughly enjoyable. It was an account of a doctor employed in a medical rescue company catering to repatriating travelers for insurance companies. Sounds pretty dull, huh? Well, I would normally have thought so, too, but it was anything but dull! Each chapter had our protagonist traveling to a different locale to bring home a traveler who had had some sort of medical emergency or mishap and was unable to travel on his own.
In addition to the vignettes of the victims (and their returns home), there were a couple of auxiliary stories throughout the book that tied everything nicely together, making a good flow for the disparate experiences.
I highly recommend this memoir as it was well written, entertaining and enlightening. It was just plain enjoyable. I hope the author will write more.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Thistle Publishing, for an ARC of this book. This review will be published immediately on Good Reads and with Amazon when the hard copy is released.

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Joanna J, Reviewer

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Strongly

I saw this in my newsfeed when a friend reviewed it, and given that I work in Travel Medicine, was keen to read it myself, so was very happy to find it on NG as Read Now. I think it should be required reading for any health professional who sees patients pre-travel, and will be recommending it to all my colleagues. We spend a lot of time talking about the prevention of scary-sounding infectious diseases like yellow fever and typhoid, but the reality is that far more travellers are killed or hospitalised overseas for injuries, often sustained doing things they wouldn’t dream of back home. Unfortunately there’s no vaccine against stupidity. This book is a sobering reminder of some of the worst things that can happen to a holiday-maker, written by the white night who comes to save them.
Ben McFarlane works as a repatriation doctor, which involves travelling anywhere in the world to retrieve sick or injured patients, assess their fitness to travel, and escort them home. Things don’t always go according to plan. Written in 2009, based on events from the early 2000s, this is being republished now. The cover makes it look light-hearted and fun, but the book is full of gory medical details and is probably not for the squeamish. I couldn’t believe that one doctor could experience so many near-disasters, but the afterword explains that while they are all true stories, names and details have been changed to protect the sometimes-innocent, and that this is a fictionalised amalgamation of the most interesting and outrageous cases. I suspect a completely true to life account would not make nearly such an entertaining read.
Ben comes across as an irreverent and laidback medic, but who shows both balls of steel, amazing ingenuity and resourcefulness, and the patience of a saint with people who really shouldn’t be allowed a passport. I veered from feeling like this was a job I could enjoy, to feeling exhausted just reading about the constant travel, overnights, stressful situations, fast turnarounds and inability to plan much of a social life. This is a young and preferably single persons’ job, but the experiences he has would certainly be amazing.
You don’t need to know anything about medicine to enjoy this, but reading this will ensure you take out comprehensive insurance for all future overseas trips (and thank the stars for the NHS if you’re British).
Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Maureen E, Reviewer

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Yes

Ben MacFarlane gives us a fascinating insight into his time as a flying doctor, repatriating British patients back to the UK, after various medical mishaps in locations all around the world!
His cases vary from the excruciatingly embarrassing (but amusing) incidents, to the really sad ones including a patient who, within days of arriving at his holiday destination is taken ill and receives the worst possible diagnosis, but despite that, the patient is determined to embrace life to the full and informs Dr MacFarlane that he will make a return visit the following year. Sadly I doubt that he did.
What a delightful memoir this was. There’s plenty of laughter, along with the tears, and although some of the medical procedures and illnesses which involve bodily fluids might well leave some of you feeling a little queasy, it was still a great read, and I’m left with a sense of what a fantastic job these people do, often in very difficult circumstances without the backup and support that they would get in a hospital situation. It’s not just medical competence that’s required either but someone who’s able to create a sea of calm for a patient who’s scared and a long way from home. This was a light hearted and refreshing read and I would definitely recommend it.

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cathie s, Educator

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Strongly

Dr. Ben MacFarlane's book as a traveling doctor is a fabulous read! As a Dr. who travels to hot vacation spots to help patients who have been hurt/become sick on vacation Ben is super busy. Throughout the book I learned a lot about specific medical conditions, culture and history of the places Ben was sent to, and had a lot of laughs.
At times poignant and hysterically funny as Ben describes his travels and his work helping patients throughout the world! I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in medicine or travel and wants a heart warming and amusing read.

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Valerie S, Reviewer

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Maybe

Holiday SOS: The Life-Saving Adventures of a Travelling Doctor
I really found this book an exciting and quick paced read as I followed British doctor Ben MacFarlane on his fascinating work doing repatriations as he travels to bring different patients back home after they have had accidents or fallen ill while on vacation. I’d never heard of a job like this and loved reading about it. The cases were interesting to read about and well detailed. He shared how he flew to the patient, checked them out with their current physician, nurse, etc. and examines them himself, then gets them ready to fly back to the UK to another hospital. There they will be looked after until they are well enough to be discharged to their home. Many of the locations were fun and exotic to travel destinations, making this job a real perk in lots of ways, along with all of the flyer miles, for those who love travel and meeting new people. But it did have a crushing effect on his original relationship, as his girlfriend complained that he was gone all of the time.
Dr. Ben did share his more heart-pounding cases for the book, where things got scary on the return trip and he had to show his expertise enroute. But he’s a veritable Macgyver of the skies, it turns out. This book is a no-brainer for anyone who thinks they’d be interested in checking it out. Go ahead and give it a try. I suspect you may like it. My thanks for the advance electronic copy that was provided by NetGalley, author Ben MacFarlane, and the publisher for my fair review.
Thistle Publishing - 230 pages
Pub: Nov 8th, 2018
3.5 of 5 stars

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Jannelies S, Reviewer

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What a delightful insight in the lives of Ben MacFarlane and his colleagues. After having to organize a trip home for someone who went on a skiing holiday to Austria - and guess what happened - and had to return with two broken arms, I decided never ever to go on a trip without a good insurance. And glad I did, although I certainly hope never to need the help of Ben or one of his colleagues. I think they do a fantastic job and the book is very honest, in that we not only read about the excellent medical care Ben delivers, but also about the fears, the tiredness, the loneliness even that comes with this job.
But please, next time, choose another illustrator for a book like this? The cover is really not suitable for the book.
Thank you Neil Simpson for putting Ben's 'adventures' to paper so nicely.
Thank you Thistle Publishing and NetGalley for this review copy.

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PETER C, Reviewer

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Strongly

This is a very entertaining and intriguing book about a highly skilled young doctor travelling to overseas destinations to accompany sick and injured patients back to the UK.
The book covers a number of short stories about the various medical adventures that the doctor (Ben MacFarlane) has experienced, mainly on scheduled passenger flights. The attention to detail was quite gruesome at times, but added immensely to the narrative.
I was impressed with the skills and human empathy that MacFarlane showed to his temporary patients. Also with his inventive procedural skills in utilising whatever items were on hand to save his patients. Not easy in a cramped airliner at 35,000 feet. A similarity to Apollo 13 springs to mind.
The costs and complications of being seriously ill overseas and not having the assistance of a accompanying doctor to travel home with, are too frightening to contemplate. From a personal perspective, I have now made a solemn mental note to make sure that I am always covered by a medical insurance whenever I travel overseas!
I can thoroughly recommend this read.

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jacqui s, Reviewer

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I had never thought about what happens to travellers when they are taken ill or injure themselves while on holiday. Now I understand why it is important to take out travel insurance. I really enjoyed reading this "in the air" medical memoir. It is well written and makes even the most dramatic and gory situations captivating and easy to read.

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Marie A, Reviewer

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Traveling is exciting and fun. Picking up patients and transporting them, not so much at times. I loved reading about the adventures of doctors and nurses doing this difficult job. Seeing new places and meeting new people is wonderful until something goes bad to your perfectly stable patient. Just like in the hospital but without the equipment and you're 35,000 feet in the air. Also, being in another country where you don't speak the language, trying to get an accurate report. Great book with a different perspective on medicine. I recommend it to all the nurses and doctors out there and to anyone interested in a different type of practice. I received this book from Net Galley and Thistle Publishing for a honest review and no compensation otherwise. The opinions expressed are my own.

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Reviewer 2883

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Yes

What a wonderful job this sound like – well, minus the mid air cardiac arrest or dealing with that trio of women in Tunisia. They really made an impression on me. But if I’m ever stranded far from home with something broken or bleeding, I’ll hope for someone like you or your caring colleagues to be the ones to fetch me back. B

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Tracey S, Reviewer

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Amazing book. Loved it from beginning to end.
Well written which kept me captivated throughout.
I will definitely be reading other books by this author

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Cristie U, Reviewer

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The author gave insight into a type of medicine that I had no idea existed. I enjoyed reading about his travels and the unique cases that he treated, especially the embarrassing ones! I am still shocked that there is a doctor that focuses on vacation injuries and illness and in transporting those patients back to England.

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Educator 478173

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Strongly

I love books like this, ones that expose the behind the scenes sides of certain jobs. Earlier in the year I read Adam Kay's book 'This is Going to Hurt' which wasn't dissimilar so when I saw this pop up on Netgalley I knew I had to read it.
Ben Macfarlane is a repatriation doctor, meaning if you are in trouble abroad then he flies over to bring you home. Most of his stories seem fairly straight forward but it also shows how alone and resourceful you have to be at 35000 feet.
I enjoyed the stories but they didn't make me feel the same as alot of Adam Kay's did. I enjoyed them, dont get me wrong, and they seemed real, I don't want to be reading over exaggerated rubbish but they didn't make me laugh or cry the same as Adam's did. The story of Mrs Dean was the only exception. That story broke me.
I also felt like the ending was quite abrupt. Yes, it really did highlight that the job isn't for everyone with Ben's colleague Rebecca leaving for the cruise ships but Ben's future was quite unclear. Did he stay with Cassie? Did he continue with repatriation? It says he works in a London hospital now but why? Did he get fed up with never being home? I was left wanting more. 4.5/5 stars from me.

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marlene p, Reviewer

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I thoroughly enjoyed Dr Ben McFarlane’s experiences as a medical repatriation doctor, maybe this enjoyment was enhanced as I work in the medical field.
Based on extracts in his diary of his working years in the job, he explains at the end that he hopes he’s excused for writing about the most exciting ones......it does make a good story though!
A very easy to read novel with stories that are easy to pick up and put down and his enthusiasm for the job and travel shows. I notice that this book is a re release, as the original was published in 2009 but I don’t think that makes any difference at all.
I look forward to reading some more of his exploits on a cruise ship!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a digital copy to read.

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Joanna J, Reviewer

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Strongly

Absolutely the best book I have read in ages! This series of anecdotes made me laugh and cry in equal measure. The writing was fantastic, I loved how the book was written somewhat like a diary and the tales of medical repatriation were obviously true and well described. As soon as I finished the book, I immediately looked for others by the same author and found 'cruise ship SOS' which I have also read (in a day!) and loved. I just can't wait for this author to write more, and sincerely hope he will do.

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Kay S, Reviewer

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Yes

In his debut novel, Holiday SOS, Ben MacFarlane describes the life of an itinerant doctor who travels around the world to bring injured clients home to the UK on behalf of insurance companies. McFarlane relates several amusing anecdotes about the patients he meets, their injuries and the travelling involved in bring them back to the UK. He interweaves the stories of his patient recoveries with minutiae of his romantic life and the office politics.
Surprisingly MacFarlane's descriptions of medical procedures, tourist destinations and everyday life make for enjoyable, light reading. In addition, this book will make you think twice about refusing travel medical insurance on your future trips! Well written and highly readable!

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Maude A, Reviewer

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Strongly

This was surprisingly a very entertaining memoir. Dr Ben MacFarlene goes around the world to repatriate, back to England, patients in need of medical assistance for their return home. Ben enjoys his work, his coworkers and most of his patients ( some of those patients are hard to like ). A quick read, gives an insider's glimps of various predicaments travellers find themselves in. Some of the trips back home are sad, uneventful or medical nightmare, but all under the watchful eye of a companionate and very resourceful doctor.
Thank you NetGalley, for providing this title in return for an honest review.

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Julie H, Reviewer

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Enjoyable medical memoir.
I love medical memoirs and have read a few by doctors, nurses, midwives etc. This one is different in that the author tells of his experiences as a repatriation doctor. I had never heard of these before, and didn't know they existed.
The book comprises a year in the life of....a month by month account. Ben's job is to get the sick and injured holidaymakers back home again. He escorts and helps them home after illness and accidents on holiday. He might be in Turkey one day, St Tropez the next, etc. Don't think this is all concerned with eg. 18-30 club holidaymakers; irresponsible, heavy drinkers, people on drugs etc. Some are normal families where their relaxing holidays have been cut short by terrible accidents and sudden onset illnesses.
This is an interesting read and I really enjoyed it. When I was only 30% into it I had already bought the follow-up book (Cruise Ship SOS: The Life-Saving Adventures of a Doctor at Sea) where he's a doc on a cruise ship-couldn't resist! Looking forward to reading more.

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Svetlana T, Reviewer

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Yes

A very informative and interesting read on what doctors do when they need to bring sick or injured travellers back home. A very human-interest story on different cases such doctors come across, on their relationships with patients, each other and everyone they meet along the way.
Need to warn you: some spots are very graphic (medical details) and some spots are even funny.
If you have a long-haul fight anywhere you might as well read this one. So you’d know what and whom to except if anything happens to you on your travel.
And yes, doctor comes if you have travel insurance. Do not forget it.

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Nigel M, Reviewer

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Yes

This is an ideal holiday read -NOT!! Ben MacFarlane works in a hospital but yearns for a chance to see the world. When he hears about people, with medical experience, being required to escort "at risk" travellers home from around the world, for insurance companies, he applies and gets the job. What follows is a collection of anecdotes about real life incidents in which he becomes involved. Some are hilarious, some are gritty but in every one of them you appreciate the very real responsibility faced by Ben as the accompanying medic. Yes he gets to travel to exotic places and, yes, sometimes he has a day or two before he has to fly out with his patient but, blimey, the job requires stamina, medical skill and the ability to think on your feet. Thanks to Ben ,we as readers, get the chance to understand the job of escort at first hand and, speaking personally I take my hat off to him for his patience and endurance. At the end of the book, we find Ben is back working in a hospital - wiser, well-travelled and much more confident in coping with responsibility and decision taking. Clearly this is written by a really sensitive guy who cares for each and every patient. An excellent read.

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Gail O, Reviewer

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Yes

An absolute delightful tale of a traveling doctors profession. He had such passion and sentiment with regard to his patients. Never knew there was such a profession. Anyone who travels wold certainly enjoy his humor and predicaments.

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Alycia C, Reviewer

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Strongly

Dr Ben MacFarlane gives us a fascinating insight into his time as a flying doctor, repatriating British patients back to the UK, after various medical mishaps in locations all around the world! The doctor has some funny embarrassing cases, so really bad diagnosis, and some sad,. I laughed a bit through this one. It made itt look fascinating to travel and be a doctor.

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Alison S, Reviewer

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A dramatic opening chapter that immediately grabs your attention.
Dr MacFarlane narrates interesting recollections of repatriations of various patients he's dealt with. The care that he gives to each situation is very unique and attentive.
As someone who will in all likelihood never fly in first-class, I loved the descriptions of the cabin and flights of the various first class flights he'd taken - especially the one to Dubai - ultra luxurious.
There were some wonderful stories that touched a person's heart deeply. And the kindness of strangers when things went wonky on the various flights just humbled a person.
It was fascinating that even while Dr MacFarlane was busy with his patients he notices the small things his fellow passengers do for him.
As a big fan of medical dramas this book fell perfectly into my likes. I found it very well-written with an interesting view into a career that I never knew even existed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the chance to read this book.

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Brigitt A, Educator

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Strongly

This is the memoir of an insurance doctor who repatriates seriously ill holiday makers back to the UK. It is narrated over a one year time period and it is a fascinating read. Some illnesses are not for the faint hearted and after some horrendous accidents which some holidaymakers befall I swore I would never go on vacation again! I did not know what to expect from this book but it turned out to be an interesting read not only about illness but also about human nature and how adversity effects different people very differently. As we all go on holidays I would recommend this book everyone to read - maybe after the holidays.

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Maryline D, Reviewer

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"Holiday SOS : The Life-Saving Adventures of a Travelling Doctor" by Ben MacFarlane.
5 stars.
Doctor Ben MacFarlane tells all about the people he's helped get home after an accident. I loved it!
A well written memoir that's entertaining, full of emotions. You feel like you are in the plane with him and his patients, looking at what was happening, the care given, the (sometimes funny) discussions...
If you loved Royal Pains (tv show, books) you will enjoy this book full of interesting stories and won't want to put it down. It is never boring!
I also really loved the cover.
Thank you NetGalley and Thistle Publishing for letting me read this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
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catherine h, Reviewer

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I had no idea this is what could happen to one who gets sick over seas! Does every country do this??? Does the country, health care provider, insurance send a doctor to the person?? Interesting. Anyway, the stories were certainly unique. I just could not fathom a doctor from ones country coming to one's rescue. Some of the stories were humorous (even if horrifying) others bought up subjects I would never have thought about at all. I mean, you're over seas and become ill in a foreign country and maybe no one speaks your language- scary! Makes me wonder if I'd even want to travel too far out of my own comfort zone. I speak several languages very haltingly. I would hate to have to depend on them in an emergency. Thank heavens for Dr. MacFarlane, and others like him! Short chapters can be read individually as each deals with a different issue and person(s). Interesting book.

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Alana W, Reviewer

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Thank you to Thistle Publishing who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
As a medical professional, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is not often that we see the style of medicine that others practice. This is certainly true for doctors who are called upon to bring home patients who are "medically stranded" internationally. While the writing style at times lacks depth and the individual stories jump without much cohesiveness, the book as a whole is fantastically told. If read as individual stories, this book will highlight the rarely told sagas of international medical transport in a way you have never read before. Very entertaining!

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Suzanne J, Reviewer

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Loved this book. A warm and witty account, engagingly written. It held my attention throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.